Environmental Psychology and Restorative Design: Interview with Rita Berto

Environmental Psychology and Restorative Design in Interior Space Design

In interior space design, Environmental Psychology and Restorative Design play a crucial role in optimizing well-being and productivity for individuals.

During the free webinar “What is Environmental Psychology?“ scheduled for Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00 PM, Dr. Rita Berto will explore all the topics covered in this article. Here is the link to register for the free webinar.

By studying the interaction between people and physical environments, Environmental Psychology identifies key elements such as light, colors, furniture arrangement, and the presence of natural elements.

Integrating this knowledge into indoor space design not only improves comfort and concentration but also promotes mental well-being and reduces stress.

We are proud to offer our readers this enlightening interview with Dr. Rita Berto, an expert in Environmental Psychology and Restorative Design, who shares valuable insights on the importance of regenerative environments for well-being and productivity, enriching our reflections on the design of artificial spaces.

MeM for Regenerative Design through Environmental Psychology.

MeM: Good morning, Dr. Berto. Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

R.B.: As a psychologist specialized in Environmental Psychology and Work and Organizational Psychology, with an academic background that includes a Ph.D. in Perception and Psychophysics, I have been dedicated for over twenty years to studying the effects of regenerative environments.

My research, conducted both in the lab and in the field, focuses on their impact on preferences, environmental stress, and design. I am particularly interested in the effect of exposure to natural and built environments on cognitive processes such as perception, attention, and memory throughout various stages of life. I conduct my research at the GREEN LEAF – Laboratory of Affective Ecology at the University of Valle d’Aosta.

With extensive teaching and consulting experience in Environmental Psychology and Restorative Design, I hold seminars in various locations across Italy. I also have a significant international background, acquired through attending renowned research labs in the United States after earning my Ph.D., at a time when Italy was not yet receptive to the subject. Today, I am recognized for my dedication and expertise in the field.

MeM: How did you get involved with Environmental Psychology?

R.B.: My encounter with Environmental Psychology was serendipitous during my academic journey when I decided to include it as an elective in my bachelor’s degree curriculum to earn my five-year degree in Psychology.

Having never heard of the subject before, I found it immediately fascinating. From the very first lesson, I began to observe my surroundings in a new light, asking numerous questions about my personal relationship with the environment around me.

MeM: Where does your passion come from?

R.B.: My passion for Environmental Psychology was sparked by a chance meeting with Professor Erminielda Peron, affectionately known as “Mimma,” who introduced Environmental Psychology to Italy. My interest grew exponentially when Mimma proposed an ambitious project: to verify whether natural environments were preferred over built environments due to their regenerative value. Despite the absence of literature on the subject in Italian, I eagerly accepted the challenge. Thanks to Mimma’s guidance, I wrote the first thesis in Italy on the “Relationship between the Restorativeness of Places and Expressed Preference,” thus beginning my scientific exploration of regenerative environments and the psychophysiological regeneration process. The time spent with Mimma was both inspirational and educational, leaving me with deep gratitude for her contribution to my academic and professional journey.

 

MeM: What is restorative design, and what are the principles that characterize it?

Restorative design, also known as regenerative design, is a fundamental approach for creating interior environments that reflect our intrinsic connection with Nature.

Through exposure to natural environments, it is possible to regenerate from mental and physical stress by harnessing biological mechanisms and innate responses developed throughout human evolution.

Our senses and behaviors have been shaped by natural stimuli; therefore, restorative design aims to create artificial environments that respect and reflect the deep bond between Humans and Nature, meeting a need for regeneration that has biological roots.

MeM: How is Restorative Design applied in work environments?

R.B.: Professional satisfaction is not only determined by the position held, salary, and interpersonal relationships but is also influenced by the physical components of the work environment. Every workplace has specific characteristics: the regeneration needs of a workshop are different from those of a school, just as the requirements of a company differ from those of a hospital. However, for each professional context, it is possible to identify strategies to ensure regenerative processes by developing architectural solutions that comply with safety regulations and production guidelines. Regenerative design adds value to physical and cognitive ergonomics, facilitating the synergistic relationship between individuals and their work environment.

MeM: Can you highlight four basic characteristics of a regenerative environment?

R.B.: Consistency, complexity, legibility, and mystery are the four pillars of a regenerative environment, known as predictors of environmental preference.

It is the synergy of these characteristics that supports our innate need for understanding, exploration, and regeneration—critical elements for an environment to evoke positive emotions and be enjoyable.

The optimal combination of these predictors varies based on the environment’s purpose and the tasks performed by the individual within it; what may work well in an office environment might not be suitable in an educational context.

Throughout our evolution, Homo Sapiens learned how to value and seek these characteristics, rooted in our biological memory due to experiences in the savannah, an environment that provided shelter, resources, and regeneration.

The “ancestral” familiarity and correct combination of these attributes in an environment determine its appreciation and the regenerative potential it offers.

MeM: What is the key role played by the Biophilic Quality Index (BQI) in the context of regenerative design?

R.B.: The Biophilic Quality Index (BQI), the result of a deep collaboration with my dear friend and Director of GREEN LEAF, Professor Giuseppe Barbiero, represents the culmination of a scientific adventure centered on the relationship between Humans and Nature.

By integrating Evolutionary Biology with Environmental Psychology, we were able to incorporate the Biophilia Hypothesis into the Theory of Attention Restoration and Stress Recovery. This evolutionary approach to the study of psychophysiological regeneration, initially met with skepticism, led to the creation of a valuable tool: the BQI.

The BQI, focused on prevention rather than correction, supports architects and designers during the design phase, promoting a scientific approach to regenerative design. This tool, derived from years of experimental research, can be used as a guide for new projects or as a checklist to verify the quality and regeneration of already completed projects.

By certifying Biophilic Design according to standards proposed by WELL and LBC, the BQI provides a scientific foundation for design, demonstrating its effectiveness even in building renovation, as shown in the case of the primary school in Gressoney la Trinité in Aosta.

Integrating the BQI into the design process has proven to increase preference and the perception of regeneration of the indoor environment, approaching levels offered by Nature itself, highlighting the effectiveness of a scientific approach to the design and enhancement of Biophilic Design and Restorative Design.